When rookie wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster first made his presence known to Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in 2017, it created a moment that will live in the memories of Pittsburgh Steelers fans for years to come. With a block heard around the world, as far as Steeler Nation was concerned, Smith-Schuster instantly endeared himself to millions of fans.
For some viewers, the block was clearly illegal and the one-game suspension that followed unquestionably lent some validity to that belief. It must also be acknowledge that Smith-Schuster standing over Burfict’s prone body did little to suggest the result of the play was not purely accidental.